• Premier League

Chelsea close to 'record' deal for Oscar

ESPN staff
July 16, 2012
Oscar's craft in the attacking third has made him a hot property © PA Photos
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Internacional claim Chelsea are close to smashing the Brazilian transfer record to sign Oscar.

Chelsea have thrust themselves to the head of the chase for the 20-year-old midfielder who had been strongly linked with Tottenham and Inter Milan.

Internacional claimed at the weekend that they had fielded an approach from Chelsea, but insisted no offer had been made. But it would appear as if the Blues have followed up that approach with a bid - which Internacional hope will be a Brazilian record.

"I want the transfer of Oscar to be the biggest deal ever in Brazilian football," Internacional president Giovanni Luigi told Radio Gaucha. "And the Chelsea offer isn't that far from that."

Luigi has insisted that the club will only sell if they feel the bid is value for money. He said: "If regarding Oscar we get offers that match our expectations, we'll negotiate. But they have to be of the value that mean significant resources for Internacional."

Oscar, who has made six senior appearances for his country, is set to showcase his skills in London after being named in Brazil's Olympic squad.

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